I think I have it narrowed down to these two bikes. They both fit in my price range of about 3000.00 or under. I want somthing I will not grow out of anytime soon. Must be race worthy.

Both bikes have Ult SL with the F3 including a mix some DA stuff as well. :thumbsup:

The shop I am dealing with in town has a great fit program and carries both brands of bikes. The owner even offered me a new Cervelo R3 or Orbea Orca with Ult SL around the high 3800 to 3900 mark, but I just don't want to spend that much now. I can spend more, I just don't feel it is necessary.

Honestly, I am having a hard time deciding. Usually one item or the other hits me closer to the heart, but both of these bikes are awesome. Is there any info you may be able to give me that would make my choice easier?

Are there any other full carbon bikes in the 3k or under range that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for the help. :)

http://www.orbea-usa.com/smallpic/OpalTDA_big_blue.jpg

http://www.feltracing.com/08/images/catalog/large/8659.jpg

I have never ridden a Felt but I do love my Orbea Opal. Have been riding a Giant TCR 2 for a number of years and recently bought an Opal. Opal is a nicer ride, stiffer and climbs better IMO.

I had a similar choice, but working on a smaller budget: Felt F4 vs. Orba Onix. Picked the Onix and have been happy with it since.

Take a look at Jamis. For whatever reason they always have a nicer parts kit for the money than other brands and their carbon fiber xenith frame is excellent. I rode bikes built up on the xenith platform at interbike both years they have made them and I can say that the dollar spent to bike purchased ratio on these bikes is extremely high.
Choose the bike that fits you the best, they are all made in the same place in the end.

If you're looking to race, I'd go with the Felt. The geometry is more race oriented. Ideally you could ride the two bikes before deciding. Fit and handling are paramount.

I agree with the previous poster regarding Jamis. In the $2500 price range the Xenith Race is spec'd very well. Weight range is about the same - 17.5.

Thank you for the help.

Funny you guys mention the Jamis. The Jamis Pro was at the top of my list. Spec'd extremely well for the price. Unfortunately we do not have one single dealer here in town. Hard to believe due to the fact I live in the Las Vegas area. The closest one would be in Southern California.

I would really like to buy from the dealer that carries these two brands. They are known for their extremely meticulous fitting program. They also carry Cervelo, BMC, and a few others.

I was thinking I may go with the Orca with lower end parts like 105 and upgrade down the road.

Again, I appreciate the input and any other ideas would be great.

How about Look 555? $2249 at Competitive Cyclist with ultegra.

I got a new leftover F3 ( not even sure of the year ) with red accents, Dura Ace, FSA compact carbon cranks for $1980. Cheap brakes and heavy wheels were the minuses. Changed both items and now very happy with it. No problems after 7 months. Not real light but rides pretty smooth.

You can probably start to find some killer deals on Felts- around this time last year there were felts all over my area for $1,000 to $1,500 OFF MSRP.

Also, check out Douglas, Colorado Cyclist's carbon bike. You can get the Douglas, with DuraAce for $2,300.

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/kit/DXXAAWTN

Whatever I buy, it will be next week. I am just strugling to decide what I want to do. I would really like to buy local, but I have really found some great deals online.

Colorado Cyclist also has the Titus Carbon frame built up with Force for under 3k. :mad2: I don't know what to do.

I have even been considering buying somthing like the Orbea Orca or Cervelo R3 and building it up with 105 and upgrading componets down the road.

I would get the Orbea if I were you. I think the frames are very similar, and I think the Orbea looks better (plus I have one, so I know how it handles). Orbea also has more flexible component options than the Felt does.

Good option: Cannondale SystemSix with Rival. 2400 bucks. Does this shop sell the 'Dale?
There might be another model closer to 3K with nicer parts.

I tested both and chose the Opal because it fit me better. The Felt is a nice bike and they tend to be good values. FWIW, the dealer, who also carries BMC, Giant, Trek, said they were considering dropping the Felt line becase of poor support from the company. Don't know the details...thought I'd just pass it on.

Whatever I buy, it will be next week. I am just strugling to decide what I want to do. I would really like to buy local, but I have really found some great deals online.

Colorado Cyclist also has the Titus Carbon frame built up with Force for under 3k. :mad2: I don't know what to do.

I have even been considering buying somthing like the Orbea Orca or Cervelo R3 and building it up with 105 and upgrading componets down the road.


Did you get something?

Post a Pic!

tell you to contemplate my newest bike if you can put aside name brand. Here is a link to my ride and a picture after some upgrades. Bike is on sale for $2199 in its original form but has a $2700 retail. I got it on sale minus coupons/credits for under $1550.

I did all the upgrades (Easton Ea90 sl wheels, Ritchey WCS carbon seatpost and stem and expensive Fizik Arioune Carbon saddle) for under the original retail of $2700
I don't think either the Orbea or Felt are discernably "better" than this bike if at all better. Plus my bike in a size medium without upgrades weighs 15.8 pounds without pedals which is probably lighter than either of those bikes. Now my bike is in the very upper 15 lb range with pedals, cages and computer with upgrades and the ride is impressive. BTW, Jamis also is a great value.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=23527&item=30-0008&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

http://www.mongoose.com/mtn/MongooseFiles/ProductReviewImages/36_M7_Bosberg_Road_March.pdf


I think I have it narrowed down to these two bikes. They both fit in my price range of about 3000.00 or under. I want somthing I will not grow out of anytime soon. Must be race worthy.

Both bikes have Ult SL with the F3 including a mix some DA stuff as well. :thumbsup:

The shop I am dealing with in town has a great fit program and carries both brands of bikes. The owner even offered me a new Cervelo R3 or Orbea Orca with Ult SL around the high 3800 to 3900 mark, but I just don't want to spend that much now. I can spend more, I just don't feel it is necessary.

Honestly, I am having a hard time deciding. Usually one item or the other hits me closer to the heart, but both of these bikes are awesome. Is there any info you may be able to give me that would make my choice easier?

Are there any other full carbon bikes in the 3k or under range that you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for the help. :)

http://www.orbea-usa.com/smallpic/OpalTDA_big_blue.jpg

http://www.feltracing.com/08/images/catalog/large/8659.jpg

LOL, I had it down to those two bikes and bought a Cervelo R3. Now I already got rid of it and am going to try the Titus Oseo. I switch bikes like I do boats and cars. I don't think I kept a boat longer than a season, or a car for more than a yr. I have a problem...:D

The Orbea has a painted high gloss finish while the Felt is matte. i don't know if that matters to you or not, but it costs more to do the Orbea finish.

I tested both and chose the Opal because it fit me better. The Felt is a nice bike and they tend to be good values. FWIW, the dealer, who also carries BMC, Giant, Trek, said they were considering dropping the Felt line becase of poor support from the company. Don't know the details...thought I'd just pass it on.

Congratulations! I don't think you could have gone wrong either way. I have a Felt F55 (love it!) and I want an Orbea Orca (lust for it!). I think your Opal is bad to the bone. Post pictures soon. :thumbsup:

Congrats on the Orbea. I just expanded my search and was impressed with their build options. (Just love configuring it online.) Let us know your impressions.

The Orbea has a painted high gloss finish while the Felt is matte. i don't know if that matters to you or not, but it costs more to do the Orbea finish

I'd have to disagree with that statement. The Felts, along with other nude frames use a fine weave layer of Carbon Fiber that needs to look perfect. I would think, this attention to detail costs more money than spray painting the entire frame with perhaps just a basic looking carbon. Who knows though.